Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-05-24


lshorious and learned minister Of tn,
gospel His real, his best self, was per
force concealed from the simple towns
folk. And only here and there was tn.
fact realized that the Protestant pastor Of
st. Anstoie had formerly preached tG
crowded audiences in one OF the gres;
churches in Paris, had seeded, in fact
from Rome 10 Luther.
BY oil means unburden yourself
shall indeed be glad to serve you, - he said
growing more and more genial, yielding
i'll spite Of himself TO the witchery Of her
presence. Thus encouraged, still kneeling
beside him. her hands clasped on the
arm of his chair, her appraised face sweet
and innocent rs that of 5-year old
maiden. she began her story
You thought. without doubt, that 4
was a careless girl you had to deal with i,
days gone iy seemed mere plaything
to you. N,-y likely You even begrudeed
the time spent upon me in the confess
sional, and, but for my position, would
have delegated the charge to another IL
was never a. you fancied beIied myself.
as many women do, pGtting On the self
that pleaseS the world | was, from the
first, impressionable, sincere, capable OF
better things
He was still As far as ever from divin-
ing her errani But he found il sweet tn
listen Ia her, Ia lie able 10 gaze on her,
and feel in a certain subtle, impersonal
sense that she belonged TO him as Of old
He could still chide. caress, encourage
That better self | felt conscious Of;
how could | assert it, she cried, growing
more and more eloquent ON her own be
half. Il WAS compelled 10 live in the
world, whether would or no. From my
cradle upward l was trained TO play a
part. And you, too, even you. my spirit
ual guide. my monitor, You did not seek
10 arouse deeper feelings. l should have
listened 10 you in the confessional had
Your heart spoken"
The rebuke was s crushing one, and he
flinChel under it: word Of apology and
rose to his lips, but he re-
served it till she should have done She
him.
Il could understand your motive" she
went on; your duty was not 10 make a
woman think for herself, or seek to be
happy after her own way. Brilliant as
you were, experienced as you were. You
yet lowered yourself of set purpose in
u,
As a theologian, you could hardly act
otherwise. But l read your character, al
though you never read mine
Again he flinched. Her words had
struck home.
Il saw through the veil. ." she continued;
'you played with women's intellects rs
With toys; themselves you did not despise
But for your calling, your vows, could
nave played with you in turn"
Does the priest cease 10 be q human
,eing,' he asked, bitter almost 10 vim
iictiveness. Oh. have done; the stings OF
Conscience | have borne, and can bear;
our reproaches unman me utterly"
She touched his arm with Il soothing
GESTURE, and made him meet her look Of
ender pity and insinuation.
1t is not yourself | reproach," she
aid, very gently. Remember that;
hould l have made the long Journey
ither for such y purpose But hear me
ut q"
She paused for moment. as II to gather |
resh courage and self reliance, then Went !
II in quicker, more fervid tones.
DO you remember a curious experience .
hat happened 10 you during a memorable .
torn in Paris, Just ten years ago. A hur- /
cane SO fearful ragged over the city that /
was dangerous TO be abroad: the rain
owed in rivers through the streets. many /
eople were injured by falling tiles, and
le lightning flashes seemed as il every
loment they would fire the place Your
asst church was empty, but yOu were at
our post, when woman dressed i'll black
nd closely veiled stole up 10 the confes-
oual and knelt TO Won -
Again light as of sudden conviction
'emed 10 break upon his mind but this
me of no impersonal nature; it WAS a
that had To do with him rs well
with her. He flushed, turned pale,
ade an effort 10 speak, but failed, the
ords stayed On his faltering lips
she confessed to YOU in the storm"
eorgette continued. and what a story
as that for II woman to utter, priest TO
'ten To! Father she said, in pity,
.ar, comfort, sdvise me. / possess
erything that others Of Ey sex envy
talth, noble rank, suitors past counting,
ID all these are as nothing, even hateful
NE. ! love one whom II is sinful to
ink III as a lover. The only man who
IS ever touched my heart is he who has
aree of my soul. And he knows it, he |
So far guilty too And your answer to
IS appeal" she cried, passionately. II
sented it then. You seemed more cruel
me than that awful storm, more cruel
an life, but you could help yourself
lster,' you said in q strange voice, a
ice that made me tremble, do not think
1t you are alone in your dilemma.
any another, and many u stronger one,
}, has succumbed TO the same tempta-
II, and dared 10 love where love was
hidden. Pray for them as for your
T. have no comfort 10 give you, but
low my counsel Go back 10 the world,
i, when the world hGs taught you To
get, then seek the church's pardon and
, church's consolation, not before"
You were that womans' asked the
'tor, his voice sinking to all aghast
isper.
i am telling you my own story" she
lied. Hear me out. Your answer !
lied, but did not crush me | found a
tain comfort in it after time. At !,
st then, said 10 myself, l do not suffer,
o not love alone, and, who could tell
5 perhaps even loved in return found
In the thought that we two,
nameless lover and myself, We're mar
5 together. So | went back to the
rid as you had hidden me. | tried to !
and heartless-tO forget. My 1
now was changed. My father was q
ned ambassador at a foreign court.
, spent several years out of France, and !
stence WAS one prolonged whirl Of l
asure and excitement. But | never
GOT
'he flashed upon him the Ii II of her
'e, lovely eyes, and said passionately: a
4 clung to one memory; lived in it s.
l. And when l returned 10 Paris Il
: months ago, an orphan, mistress Of e
own fortunes, alone in the world, I v
rned your strange story. Force Of con- fl
ton had led you TO change your re- p
on. Like myself, you were free!' c.
he very sound of that word seemed to Il
'e magic for her ears. The timid, hesi- C,
ing look of appeal vanished, her voice IA
W strong, firm, eXultsnt. Tears rose I,
the sweet eyes and trembled on the d
icately flushed cheek, but they were b
rs Of pure joy. ca
For, Of course" she said. gathering IT
hands TO her Owl-the words she haG Z ii